Hawaii's Iconic Flower Leis Face Competition from Cheaper Imports

Lawmakers consider measures to support local lei makers as demand for the fragrant garlands grows.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The majority of flower leis sold in Hawaii are now made with imported orchids from Thailand, where it is cheaper to grow and string them. Some Hawaii lawmakers want to require state agencies to purchase locally grown leis and mandate labeling to identify Hawaii-made products, but lei sellers worry this could drive up costs and reduce overall lei usage. The custom of giving and wearing leis is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, used for celebrations and to honor people, but the commercialization of leis has led to increased use of imported materials that may mislead consumers.

Why it matters

The tradition of giving and wearing leis is a central part of Hawaiian culture, but the rise of cheaper imported flowers threatens to undermine local lei makers and growers. Lawmakers are trying to find ways to support the local lei industry and ensure consumers can easily identify Hawaii-made products, but there are concerns that restrictions could make leis too expensive for many residents.

The details

The vast majority of the bright-purple orchid leis sold to tourists in Hawaii are actually imported from Thailand, where it is cheaper to grow and string the flowers. Some Hawaii lawmakers have proposed measures like labeling requirements to identify Hawaii-made leis and prohibiting state agencies from buying imported leis, but lei sellers worry this could drive up costs and reduce overall lei usage. The custom of giving and wearing leis made of flowers, leaves, seeds or shells has long been associated with Hawaiian culture, used for ceremonies as well as everyday life, but the commercialization of leis has led to increased use of imported, often odorless, materials.

  • In 2026, Hawaii lawmakers considered bills to support the local lei industry.

The players

Kuhio Lewis

CEO of the Hawaiian Council, a nonprofit that promotes Native Hawaiian culture and business.

Darius Kila

A Native Hawaiian state representative who sponsored a bill to require a certain percentage of leis purchased by state officials to include flowers grown in-state and mandate lei labeling.

Francis Wong

Owner of longtime Chinatown fixture Jenny's Lei and Flowers, who sources some flowers locally but also sells imported Thailand orchids to give customers a cheaper option.

Monty Pereira

General manager of Watanabe Floral, Hawaii's biggest florist, who says imported flowers help stretch limited local supplies and meet demand from former Hawaii residents who have moved away.

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What they’re saying

“You don't come to Hawaii and not at least have a flower or a lei. For us to now be importing is not good. It's actually embarrassing.”

— Kuhio Lewis, CEO, Hawaiian Council

“I really try not for us to give out orchid lei, specifically the purple Thailand orchid lei.”

— Darius Kila, State Representative

“People want pikake. That's the top flower in Hawaii.”

— Francis Wong, Owner, Jenny's Lei and Flowers

“The bigger threat is making it so expensive that the people of Hawaii cannot afford to enjoy something that's culturally significant to us.”

— Monty Pereira, General Manager, Watanabe Floral

What’s next

The Hawaii State Senate is considering a bill that would create a work group to study whether local flower-growers and lei-makers can meet the rising demand for leis and make recommendations for protecting the local industry.

The takeaway

The growing reliance on imported flowers for Hawaii's iconic leis highlights the tension between cultural preservation and commercial realities. Lawmakers are seeking ways to support local lei makers, but must balance concerns about affordability and accessibility for Hawaii residents.